The “Stop Hypertension with APS/UCM Service-Learning Project” is an initiative designed to educate individuals and communities about arterial hypertension (high blood pressure). At the same time, it provides opportunities for health sciences students or members of the academic community to engage in meaningful service activities aimed at preventing and managing hypertension. The main goal of the project is to raise awareness about hypertension, its risks, and prevention strategies. The project also emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring, training in correct blood pressure measurement with blood pressure monitors, and early intervention to mitigate the burden of hypertension within communities. The project adopts a service-learning approach, an experiential pedagogical model that integrates academic learning with community service. Throughout this methodology, students can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, while simultaneously addressing pressing social needs. The service-learning approach benefits not only students but also educators, communities, and academic institutions alike.

This initiative aligns with the goals of the Spanish Society of Hypertension and the Spanish League against Arterial Hypertension (SEH-LELHA). Given that the prevalence of hypertension increases with age, reaching up to 79% in individuals over 80 years old, older adults represent the most vulnerable demographic group. Previous interventions conducted by students from the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) in senior centers in Alcobendas (county of Madrid, Spain) have demonstrated the effectiveness of training elderly individuals in self-measuring their blood pressure, thereby supporting the broader public health effort to combat arterial hypertension.

This study examines the outcomes of a cohort of elderly residents in the senior centers of Coslada, a town in the Madrid region. A total of 32 health sciences students, representing the disciplines of Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and Nutrition and Dietetics, alongside their academic supervisors, provided educational sessions to 61 elderly individuals across five senior centers in the area. Of the participants, 26.23% were male and 73.77% were female, with 87% of the participants aged over 70. The intervention included informational talks, hands-on workshops, and demonstrations of proper blood pressure measurement techniques. Data collected during the intervention included demographic information, blood pressure readings, and satisfaction surveys from the participants. Key findings revealed that 17.6% of participants were newly identified as hypertensive, while 40.74% of those previously diagnosed with hypertension exhibited low adherence to treatment. Additionally, the satisfaction survey, conducted using a Likert scale, yielded overwhelming positive feedback. 95% of participants were highly satisfied with the workshop environment, and 87% felt confident with the ability acquired to accurately measure blood pressure.

These findings underscore the effectiveness of the “Stop Hypertension with APS/UCM” project as a valuable educational tool for training elderly individuals in the correct self-measurement of blood pressure at home. This initiative represents a cost-efficient and impactful approach to hypertension management, contributing to the broader fight against the condition, and supporting the National Health System's goals in achieving sustainable development objectives.

Keywords: Service-learning project, arterial hypertension, correct self-measurement of blood pressure at home, training older people, health university degrees, community service, engaging activities in elderly care center, Coslada City Council.